Current Issues
Washington State boasts an extensive system of trails that lead hikers in to some of the most beautiful places in the country. Every year, hikers take hundreds of thousands of trips into the mountains here, thankful for the opportunity to access such wild lands.
But those trails need a lot of work. They need funding for regular maintenance and enforcement, and they need protection. Washington Trails Association works on all three fronts to ensure that hikers have the safest and best experience possible. We're currently working on several issues that have an impact on trails.
Sustainable funding for state lands such as Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and State Parks: WTA is a leading advocate in Olympia for recreation funding for state lands. 2011 is going to be another difficult year from a budget prospective but WTA is working to ensure that any fee structure set up for public lands is resonable to hikers.
Federal Budget for Trails: In February 2010 the Obama Administration proposed cutting the Forest Trails line item by $2.3 million, from $85.4 million to $83.1 million. Because Forest Service recreation has suffered from years of budget neglect, a cut like this could be a major setback for the Forest Service and the trails they manage.
User Fees: We advocate that Northwest Forest Pass revenue go directly back to the forest and amenities that the purchaser is using.
ORVs in National Forests: WTA is closely following the implementation of what's known as the
"ORV Rule" on our national forest land. WTA believes that motorized use
on National Forests must be
managed in a balanced way that protects our National Forests and keeps
them quiet and free of pollution.
National Forest Planning: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest are updating their 15-year forest plans. WTA is providing input to ensure that the forests are managed well for hiking and recreation.
Dark Divide Wilderness:
Wilderness preservation in the Dark Divide region of the Gifford
Pinchot National Forest has long been a priority for Washington Trails
Association.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness Addition: The most recent legislative proposal for new wilderness in Washington, this bill would add the Pratt River Valley and Middle Fork to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Current Issues photo by Eli Boschetto, Safer Trails photo by Max Pillie, Recreation Funding photo by John D'Onofrio, Forest Planning photo by Karl Forsgaard, Wildnerness photo by Alvaro Pardo
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